Sivasspor vs Fiorentina prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-03-15 17:45.
A first European quarter-final is within sight for Sivasspor, but they need to overturn a 1-0 loss from the first leg of this UEFA Conference League (UECL) round of 16 against Fiorentina. Achieving that will require ending a three-game losing streak in all competitions, including a 3-0 reverse to İstanbulspor on Monday which left them in the Süper Lig relegation zone. They will be without Max Gradel who was sent off in the first leg and he doubled up on Monday with another dismissal!
Playing at home may not work to their advantage as Sivasspor have lost two of their four European games at Yeni 4 Eylül in this season (W1, D1), although they ran out convincing 3-0 winners against FC Cluj in their last continental outing here. After starting the season winless in their first eight home matches, they’ve at least been more competitive in recent fixtures here, including a win against Beşiktaş. That shows what they’re capable of and they’ll hope that a win here will have a positive effect on their domestic battle against relegation.
That won’t be straightforward as Fiorentina have bossed Turkish clubs in competitive matches (W8, L1). That lone loss came in this season’s campaign against İstanbul Başakşehir in the group stages, adding a further layer of intrigue here. A win on a return to Turkey would be sweet for the visitors who have won their last seven UECL matches, although the last two have come by a slender one-goal margin.
Any nerves could be offset by the confidence of a five-game winning run in all competitions, but they remain outside of the European spots in Serie A, putting extra emphasis on UECL progression. The free-scoring Viola have enjoyed travelling, winning each of their last three UECL away games ‘to nil’ and scoring 10 goals during the process.
Key battle: Ali Şaşal Vural could be crucial for Sivasspor’s hopes of progression – especially if it goes to penalties – with the shot stopper boasting 38 saves including one penalty in UECL this season. He could be challenged by Arthur Cabral, who has been all-action for Fiorentina either scoring (G6) or picking up a yellow card (YC2) in his last seven competitive matches.
Hot stat: A red card has been awarded in four of Fiorentina’s last five away UECL matches.